Economic Development Specialist I at City of El Centro (CA) – El Centro, California

Summary: Under general supervision, coordinates and implements City community development programs and capital improvement projects; performs related responsibilities as required.
Job Characteristics: This position receives supervision from Economic Development Manager and Community Services Director. Provides functional direction to the Staff Assistant.
Essential Job Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Prepares, administers and evaluates budgetary expenditures for City community development programs and capital improvement projects.
• Monitors funds available for outstanding grants.
• Administers local, state, and federal grant funding programs and projects.
• Meets with grant program representatives.
• Manage sub-recipients of grant funding to ensure program compliance.
• Monitors construction projects for compliance with local, state and federal labor standards.
• Prepares grant applications, performance reports and other staff reports.
• Manages construction project activities including procurement, contract award, construction, and project close-out.
• Reviews construction documentation to ensure compliance with funding and program requirements.
• Works with local, state and federal funding program processes including multi-year planning, annual planning, and annual performance reporting.
• Arrives to work on time.
• Assist other staff as needed.
• Perform and complete other duties as assigned.

The preceding activities have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by positions assigned to this job classification. The City reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.
Education/Experience/Training:
REQUIRED:

• Equivalent to high school graduation.
• Four (4)or more years of experience with capital improvement procedures, grant applications, construction procurement processes, and Federal and state community development programs.
• A valid Class C California driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

DESIRABLE: Additional training or course work in labor compliance monitoring, construction technology, or related areas.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the Community Development Block Grant Program(C.D.B.G.) guidelines.
• Knowledge of Planning and Zoning Ordinances.
• Knowledge of the California Labor Code.
• Knowledge in the practice of construction.
• Knowledge of community redevelopment needs and issues.
• Knowledge of contract law associated with Public Works contracts.

Skill to:

• Skill in the operation of a personal computer and related software to perform word processing, spreadsheet operations, data base operations and other related areas.
• Skill in the operation of modern office equipment.

Ability to:

• Ability to speak and understand English fluently.
• Ability to research and interpret grant opportunities and application requirements.
• Ability to prepare grant applications and reports.
• Ability to research and interpret program guidelines, applicable codes, contract requirements, plans, specifications and working drawings for construction projects.
• Ability to accurately estimate budget needs and prepare community development and capital improvement reports.
• Ability to analyze field problems and determine feasible solutions.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with staff, contractors, consultants, and public and private representatives.
• Ability to track department and project budgets.
• Ability to make presentations to City Council, committee members, and individuals working in association with the City.
• Ability to coordinate and plan multiple projects.
• Ability to prepare and present clear, concise and accurate reports orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize own work, coordinate projects, set priorities, meet deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Ability to follow and effectively communicate verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to meet dead lines and project time lines.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files related to the funding process.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff and outside agencies.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed primarily indoors in an office environment.
• Required to sit, stand or walk for extended periods.
• Required to use hands to finger, handle, grip, grasp or feel objects.
• Required to hear and speak to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
• Required to communicate verbally and in writing.
• May be required to travel to and from meetings, on-site visits to various locations and interact with a variety of people.
• May be required to perform public speaking.
• May be required to bend, stoop, kneel, crawl and crouch.
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Equipment and Tools Utilized:

• Personal computer, copier, fax and other standard office equipment.
• Radios, cell phones and other communication devices.

If you have a disability that requires assistance at any point in the recruitment process (for example, filling out applications, testing, interviewing), please notify the Human Resources Department. The City of El Centro performs job-related medical/physical evaluations and pre-employment/promotional drug screening. EEO/ADA.